Complex Trauma Therapy
THERAPY AND COUNSELING IN BATAVIA AND NAPERVILLE, IL AND ONLINE
Sound like you?
"I feel like I'm constantly on high alert, even when there's no danger."
"It's hard to trust people; I worry they'll hurt me like others have before."
"I often feel disconnected from myself, like I'm watching my life from the outside."
"Even in happy moments, I can't shake the feeling that something will go wrong."
Living with Complex PTSD can feel like carrying a weight that no one else can see. You may wake up every day exhausted from being constantly on edge, scanning for threats that aren’t there but feel painfully real. Trusting others might seem impossible—your mind tells you they will hurt, betray, or abandon you, just like before. Even when things are going well, there’s a lingering fear that it won’t last, that disaster is just around the corner. Relationships feel complicated because part of you longs for closeness, but another part instinctively pulls away. Some days, you feel like a stranger to yourself—disconnected, numb, or lost in a flood of emotions that don’t make sense. The memories may not always be clear, but their impact lingers in the way your body tenses, your heart races, or your mind shuts down. You’re tired of feeling stuck in survival mode, but breaking free feels overwhelming, maybe even impossible. You’re not broken, and you don’t have to navigate this pain alone—healing is possible, and we’re here to help.
How Do I Know If I Need Complex Trauma Therapy?
Whatever the nature of your complex trauma, you might be beginning to notice the impact in every facet of your life:
You struggle with emotional overwhelm or numbness.
You feel stuck in patterns of unhealthy relationships.
You struggle with dissociation or memory gaps.
You have a hard time trusting others.
You experience persistent shame and self-criticism.
You live in a constant state of hypervigilance.
Meet Our Team of Complex Trauma Therapists
Healing from Complex PTSD requires more than just traditional talk therapy—it requires a therapist who truly understands the deep, lasting effects of long-term trauma. At Creating Space Therapy, our trauma-informed clinicians specialize in working with individuals who have experienced chronic abuse, neglect, or attachment-related trauma, helping them navigate the complexities of healing with compassion and expertise.
Our therapists use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, parts-work therapy, somatic therapy, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, and polyvagal-informed practices to help you regulate your nervous system, process trauma safely, and rebuild a sense of trust within yourself and others.
It may feel impossible now, but healing is possible—you can learn to feel safe, trust yourself, and break free from the patterns trauma created. We can help you get there.
COMPLEX TRAUMA THERAPY CAN HELP YOU-
01
Regain Emotional Balance
Therapy helps you understand and regulate overwhelming emotions so you no longer feel stuck in cycles of fear, numbness, or emotional outbursts.
02
Heal Deep-Rooted Shame and Self-Criticism
Through trauma-informed approaches, you’ll learn to challenge negative self-beliefs, rebuild self-worth, and develop self-compassion.
03
Build Healthy Relationships
By addressing past relational trauma, therapy helps you develop trust, set boundaries, and create fulfilling, safe connections with others.
04
Feel Safe in Your Own Body
Somatic and trauma-focused therapies help you calm your nervous system, reduce hypervigilance, and reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe and grounding.
Heal the Wounds from the Past So You Can Create a Life Full of Connection, Confidence, and Peace
Many therapy practices offer general counseling but lack the specialized training needed to help those with Complex PTSD truly heal. At Creating Space Therapy, we understand that long-term trauma changes the way you see yourself, others, and the world—which is why you need more than just talk therapy. Our approach is designed to help you rebuild trust in yourself, feel safe in your body, and break free from the patterns that have kept you stuck. Through trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies like EMDR, parts work therapy, somatic therapy, and polyvagal-informed care, we guide you toward healing that goes beyond coping—helping you create a life where connection, confidence, and peace feel possible.
A Safe, Personalized Approach to Healing
We know that Complex PTSD requires a different kind of care—one that moves at your pace, prioritizes your safety, and avoids re-traumatization. Our therapists tailor treatment to your unique experiences, helping you build trust and confidence in your healing journey.
Common Concerns About Starting Trauma Therapy and How We Address Them
Starting therapy for Complex PTSD can feel overwhelming—especially if past experiences have taught you that healing is impossible or that opening up will only lead to more pain. You may wonder if therapy will actually help, if it will feel too intense, or if it’s even possible to change patterns that have been with you for so long. These concerns are completely normal. Complex trauma changes the way we relate to ourselves and the world, and healing takes time. But that doesn’t mean you’re beyond help. Therapy isn’t about forcing you to relive your pain—it’s about helping you feel safe, understood, and in control of your healing process. Here, we take things at your pace, using gentle, effective approaches that support your nervous system rather than overwhelm it.
What if therapy makes things worse?
It’s normal to fear that facing trauma will make you feel worse. Our approach prioritizes safety, stabilization, and pacing so you’re never forced into anything before you’re ready. Healing happens in small, manageable steps—not all at once.
I’ve been in therapy before, and it didn’t help. How will this be different?
Not all therapy is designed for Complex PTSD. Unlike general talk therapy, we use trauma-focused modalities like EMDR, IFS, Somatic Therapy, and Polyvagal-Informed Care—approaches specifically designed for deep, lasting healing.
What if I don’t remember everything that happened to me?
You don’t need to have clear memories to heal. Trauma is often stored in the body and nervous system, and our therapies help you process what’s coming up in the present—without needing to recall every detail of the past.
What if I’ve been dealing with this for too long to change?
No matter how long you’ve lived with the effects of trauma, healing is possible. Your brain and body are capable of change, and with the right support, you can rebuild trust in yourself, create healthier relationships, and find relief from the past.
If you’ve been living with the effects of Complex PTSD, you may wonder if healing is even possible. Trauma can make it feel like you’re trapped in survival mode—constantly on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. But relief is possible with the right approach. At Creating Space Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based trauma treatment that goes beyond traditional talk therapy to address the deep emotional, psychological, and nervous system impacts of long-term trauma.
Our therapists are trained in EMDR, parts work therapy, somatic therapy, and polyvagal-informed care, ensuring that treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. Whether you struggle with emotional overwhelm, self-criticism, dissociation, or relationship challenges, we work with you to heal at your own pace—without re-traumatization or pressure to relive the past.
Healing from complex trauma isn’t about forgetting what happened—it’s about reclaiming your sense of self, finding emotional balance, and creating a future that isn’t controlled by the past. You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re ready to start therapy, we’re here to help.
At Creating Space Therapy You Can Heal and Thrive From Complex Trauma
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU.
Right now, it may feel like trauma has defined you—that the fear, shame, or numbness will always be there, shaping your choices and relationships. Maybe you’ve tried to heal before, only to feel like you’ve failed, or that the past has too strong of a grip on you. But healing is not about erasing what happened—it’s about learning to live in a way where the past no longer controls you.
No matter how long you’ve carried this pain, you are not broken. The way you’ve learned to survive makes sense, and it has helped you get this far. But survival isn’t the same as truly living. You deserve to feel safe in your own body, to trust yourself, to build relationships that don’t feel like a battlefield. Healing is possible—not just for others, but for you.
You don’t have to walk this road alone. When you’re ready, we’re here.
The past doesn’t get to define your future—you do. Let’s take the next step together.
QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.
Frequently asked questions-
-
Is Creating Space Therapy Better Than AI Therapy Chatbots?While AI chatbots may be able to provide basic support, they can't replace the deep, human connection that's essential for true healing. At Creating Space Therapy, our certified therapists in Batavia and Naperville, as well as through online telehealth, offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We understand the complexities of human emotions and experiences, something that AI simply cannot replicate. Our therapists provide empathy, understanding, and adaptive care that evolves with you, ensuring that you receive the support you need at every step of your healing journey. With us, you're not just interacting with a program—you’re connecting with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.
-
What types of therapy do you offer?At Creating Space Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including grief counseling, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, bibliotherapy, and specialized therapy for children and teens. Our certified therapists in Batavia, Naperville, and online are skilled in various modalities, ensuring that we can tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
-
How do I know which therapist is right for me?Choosing the right therapist is a personal decision, and we’re here to help you find the best fit. Our team of certified therapists brings a diverse set of skills and specialties. Whether you’re seeking help with grief, trauma, or other challenges, we’ll guide you to the therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs, whether in Batavia, Naperville, or online.
-
What should I expect during my first therapy session?Your first therapy session at Creating Space Therapy is an opportunity to begin building a trusting relationship with your therapist. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Our aim is to create a comfortable, safe space where you feel heard and supported, whether you’re visiting our Batavia or Naperville offices or connecting through online telehealth.
-
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. At Creating Space Therapy, our online telehealth sessions are designed to provide the same level of care and connection as face-to-face meetings. Our certified therapists are experienced in delivering compassionate, high-quality therapy through secure video sessions, ensuring you receive the support you need, no matter where you are in Illinois.
Free Download!
Get our completely free eBook that teaches you concrete skills to cope with the big, heavy, deep emotions that come with grief and trauma. We hope to help ease your suffering by guiding you in developing healthy coping skills.